Smith has not been seen watching practice this week and has declined to speak about the team’s performance or about his job status.

However, it is known he wasn’t even certain about retiring when his contract runs out in San Diego following the 2014 season. So he will certainly want to continue working in the league, and word is that he will be considered by at least two teams who are likely to be among those in the market for a personnel chief.

Sources said that St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke has all but made up his mind to part ways with his coach and general manager at season’s end and that Smith will be on the list of potential replacements if Kroenke is looking for a new GM.

The irony in that is that current Rams GM Billy Devaney could be a candidate in San Diego. Devaney was the Chargers director of player personnel from 1990-2000, and his amicability with the media and public would certainly fit the revamped front office image Spanos is said to be exploring.

Devaney coming back to town is nothing more than speculation at this point, but it time to start thinking about what direction Spanos will go as he inches toward the decision to part ways with Smith.